A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that food quality and diversity, rather than diet type, have a significant impact on the structure of the gut microbiome. Researchers analyzed over 21,000 individuals following vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous diets in the US, UK, and Italy, finding that those with higher plant-based food consumption had more diverse beneficial microbes in their gut.
According to Dr. Nicola Segata, lead author of the study, “the greater the variety of plant-based foods we consume, the greater the diversity of beneficial microbes in our gut.” This is because different plant-based foods contain different types of fiber that stimulate the growth of various health-promoting microbes.
The study also found that vegans and vegetarians had lower levels of species diversity compared to omnivores, but their gut microbiome profile was still associated with improved food digestion and reduced cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Rudolph Bedford, a gastroenterologist, noted that personalized nutritional recommendations based on genetic variations in the gut microbiome could help mitigate various diseases.
Registered dietitian Monique Richard emphasizes the importance of diversity and quality in the diet for nurturing gut health and microbiota flora. She recommends dividing the plate into four quadrants: lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit, to ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients. “Remember, what is good for your body is good for the gut,” she added.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vegan-vegetarian-omnivore-diet-type-quality-gut-health